Bittersweet

I saved my new leopard print pants for my busiest day at work this week: board meeting day! I started yesterday morning off super early with radio interviews followed by around 80 meetings. I sometimes complain about these days when I have to get to work early, leave late and work through lunch, but they're really the ones I love and thrive on. Especially if I have a sassy outfit to stroll meeting to meeting in.

It was a bittersweet day yesterday since I learned my boss is reducing his hours to part-time and renewing just a one year contract. I told him I wasn't emotionally prepared for such an announcement, but he reminded me he was ready to retire, but was convinced to stay another year. I remember when I first began working for him after college and I thought, "damn, if I can work for HIM, I can work for anyone." Turns out, he's the only person I want to work for!

[thrifted vintage CK jean jacket, pink top and leopard print pants from J Crew, heels from Zara, colorful bracelet c/o Nine West, glasses by Warby Parker, bag by Marc Jacobs, ring from Forever 21]

Photos by Naomi

Miss Dethrose Vintage

It's been just a little over one year since I spotted this gorgeous lady, Karyn of Dethrose Vintage, at her booth selling vintage at the Randolph Street Market and I meekly asked, "can I..take your photo?" Fast forward a year later, she's a pal that makes me laugh with her dozens of great impersonations (my personal favorite: her Kenny Power's voice) and I still just love to photograph her. She's incredibly knowledgeable on decades of fashion and apparel and I learn so much each time she's on the hunt for pieces to add to her shop.
It was a super hot day last Sunday and her outfit fit the Americana theme of the event and it's a welcomed alternative to the booty shorts I typically sport on hot, humid days. Check out her blog and shop! I just picked up a pair of vintage cap toe pumps from her at the Market!

And a few photos from the varying vendors at the Market.

Sassy Pants

I spent Saturday evening in my sassy pants in Chicago with Merl, Karyn, Emily of Tomorrow Never Knows and Kathleen of Jeremy and Kathleen at Randolph Market followed by dinner at Antique Taco. We then headed out for some drinking and dancing at Empty Bottle during Karyn's favorite night: Soul Night! I thought it appropriate to wear my circus pants, bustier top and royal blue blazer out with this group of stylish gals. I had been waiting for the perfect time to wear this outfit and there really wasn't a better time. The weather was perfect, Karyn already looked like Wonder Woman and it was fun to dance in!

[blazer c/o Frock Candy, bustier top from Pitaya, pants by Zara, wedges by Aldo, sunglasses c/o ShadesDaddy, rings from Forever 21 and borrowed from Merl]

Photos by Merl Kinzie, more photos here!

Naomi

Earlier in my blog days, I would regularly feature my intern at the time, Naomi, and ramble on how much I loved her style. Fast forward two years, she has her own blog, Between He and She and I now can photograph her for the dual purpose of helping her with her blog and sharing her great style with my own readers!

Summertime

I was channeling Kelly Bundy a bit with this outfit from last Saturday, down to my 80s Jordache shorts and bleached blonde hair with roots. My friend Erin from Detroit came to visit and we spent some time shopping, grabbing dinner and margaritas on a rooftop and going out to my favorite bar. I received many compliments on my mom jean-like shorts, which I took with great pride. These are probably my most favorite shorts I own and all thanks to Paige from Barefoot & Vintage for thinking of me.
I styled this outfit around the fact that I wanted the ability to easily be able to show off the almost complete tattoo. With one swift movement, the blazer could be removed during dinner on the rooftop patio and I could feel more Kelly Bundy-like. I liked the idea of styling the blazer in a more casual, weekend way other than how I've styled it for work with a lace tank top and cropped trousers. I just took a look at how I styled this bustier top last July, which reminds me I need to wear this top more!

[cropped blazer c/o shopakira, vintage shorts gift from Barefoot & Vintage, eyelet bustier and heart ring from Forever 21, clutch from American Apparel, Sam Edelman wedges c/o Lori's Shoes, white and gold bracelet c/o T+J Designs, watch c/o La Mer]

Blue Moon

My friends know me for my inability to stay out late. I like to go out around 9 p.m., grab a couple drinks and be home by 11 p.m. And last Friday night was no exception. Occasionally though, I put together an outfit I really like, like this one and get pissed that I wore it out for 1.5 hours before changing into pajamas. Story of my life!

The combination of leopard print and bright colors sums up my summer style perfectly. I've been incorporating more colorful skirts this season, but I struggle a bit since I don't typically wear them. Any ideas for this blue skirt?

[skirt c/o Lulu's, clutch by American Apparel, heels c/o Nine West, Rayban sunglasses, gold collar from Urban Outfitters, gold bracelet c/o Kristin Hassan, ring c/o Courtney Kaye]

Rooftops

Last weekend I headed back to Chicago to visit one of my best friends who I feel like I always neglect when I make a trip back to the city. Courtney and I went to the beach, shopped and ate only at places that offered outside seating. I don't get to see her often enough!

There are brief moments when I miss living in Chicago. I miss my friends and I miss some of the convenience, yet when I thought about returning to work the following week, I was legitimately excited to return. It's a rare thing to really love your job and I love mine. And I was thrilled to attend a presentation about the Michigan talent crisis in manufacturing on Monday, which I consider the highlight of my week. I still can't understand how I can have such an interest in fashion AND workforce development. It bewilders me. I feel like I have the best of both worlds though, thanks to my job and this blog! If you have a blog, what other outside interests do you have? I'm always the most curious to learn if fellow bloggers work full-time and it was always amazes me to learn people working in fields unrelated to fashion and artistic creativity altogether.

[romper c/o Lulu's, necklace by Merl Kinzie, sandals c/o Blowfish Shoes, clutch by American Apparel, sunglasses c/o ShadesDaddy, ring c/o Courtney Kaye]

I love the colors and the cutout in the romper and I felt as if this may have been a bit Selective Potential and Girl & Closet inspired. I think they'd both rock this romper and shoes!

What the Frock?

I wore this outfit a couple weeks ago to work when I anticipated a more casual day. Since the weather has heated up, my hair has more and more resembled a lion's mane, so unruly! Anyways, this is just a sneak peek of the outfit as I'm guest posting over at What the Frock?, where more photos await you! 

[J Crew jacket swapped from Kendi Everyday, pants c/o J Brand, heels c/o Payless, bag by Rebecca Minkoff, sunglasses c/o Shades Daddy, choker from Urban Outfitters, zebra top c/o Idylle Clothing, cocktail rings c/o Courtney Kaye, vintage ring borrowed from Mom]

Photos by Naomi of Between He and She

Blondeshell Keratin Complex Hair Collection Giveaway!

Have blonde or grey hair and need to help keep it that color? Enter the Blondeshell Collection giveaway! This collection contains shampoo and conditioner that combats the brassiness that blonde hair so easily falls victim to. It also includes a deep conditioning masque (my favorite) and high shine brightening oil. Since my hair needs both color correction and hydration, I couldn't ask for a better product line to address all the needs of my hair. 

To enter to win this collection, like Blondeshell on Facebook and leave a comment with your email address. For a second entry, visit Blondeshell and comment on which product interests you the most in the line. The giveaway ends Sunday, June 17 at 9 p.m. EST. Open to U.S. and Canada only.

The winner of the PB&J Boutique shoe giveaway is Katie. Congrats! Please email me!

The winners of the Dapp iPad Case Giveaway is Merrybelly and Courtney. Congrats, send me an email!

Summer Lust List

Spring and summer always lure me into a softer color palette and this year's warmer season is no different. I've been loving anything mint, pink and neutral with touches of gold. Here are a few of my favorite picks!

1. Total Stud Blouse, $48

2. Juicy Couture Pave Charm Necklace, $68

3. Zara Court Shoe, $89.90

4. Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip, $195

5. Asos Spike Stretch Bracelet, $13.92

6. MiH Jeans Pistol Suede Biker Jacket, $655

7. Asos Macaroon Lace Up Flat Shoe, $60.88

8. Motel Jordan Pink Striped Skinny Jeans, $89